Disability History Overview explores the evolution of disability from a medical concern to a matter of human rights and social justice. This transformation includes analyzing how societal attitudes and medical theories have shaped the experience of disability across different eras. The book highlights the disability rights movement, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of disabled activists fighting for equality. Understanding this history is crucial for dismantling ableism and fostering a more equitable world.
The book examines the historical construction of disability, the impact of institutionalization, and the rise of disability rights movements. For example, large-scale institutions often subjected disabled individuals to dehumanizing conditions. The narrative progresses from pre-modern perspectives to contemporary challenges like accessibility and digital inclusion. It argues that disability is a social construct reflecting power dynamics, supported by historical documents and scholarly research. This perspective challenges traditional medical models and emphasizes social and political factors.
